Barbee Crane Services assists with the replacement of rooftop air-conditioning units
at the Mullins Hall dorm on the Wharton campus. WCJC has undertaken a variety of projects
aimed at improving campus buildings.
WHARTON, TEXAS — From an upgraded elevator to new air-conditioning to a 15,000 square
foot construction trades facility, Wharton County Junior College has implemented a
variety of projects aimed at improving its campuses.
The improvements are part of the college’s 2018 master plan, which provided an assessment
of WCJC’s facilities. WCJC Facilities Management Advisor Mike Feyen recently shared
updates on the projects with the WCJC Board of Trustees.
Projects include:
HVAC upgrades — Plans are to replace two 40-ton air-conditioning units at the Gene
Bahnsen Gymnasium on the Wharton campus as well as two smaller units that service
the fitness center. Cost is just shy of $300,000. The project will commence following
spring break.
Gym roof — The Gene Bahnsen Gymnasium will also receive a new roof. The standing seam
metal roof will be removed and replaced with a Modified Bitumen roof with a 30-year
warranty at a cost of just over $344,000. The work schedule is currently being finalized.
Library roof — Work is being scheduled on replacing the roof at the J.M. Hodges Learning
Center library on the Wharton campus. Cost is $933,000.
Bay City Construction Trades — Phase 1 included renovating 15,000 square feet of a
22,000 square foot area at the Bay City campus. That was completed in the fall of
2024 and a ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Feb. 12. Phase 2 includes remodeling
the remaining 7,000 square foot area in order to accommodate plumbing and pipefitting
courses. The overall project is valued at more than $2 million.
New student center — The design development stage is complete on a new student center
planned at the Wharton campus. The facility will house the bookstore, student lounge
and cafeteria. These are currently located in the Hutchins Building, but that structure
is scheduled for demolition. The estimated cost is approximately $6 million plus fixtures,
furniture and equipment.
Library renovations — In addition to an upgraded roof, the Wharton campus library
will also be renovated to accommodate services currently provided in the Administration
Building. Plans are to house admissions and registration, financial aid and the business
office in the renovated space. Marketing and the Board of Trustees boardroom — currently
located in the Hutchins Building — will relocate to the Administration Building. Cost
is estimated at $500,000.
Foundation repair — Storm drainage modifications and remediation are planned to correct
foundation issues at WCJC’s Richmond campus. Repairs will include foundation lift,
windows, sheetrock, flooring, exterior brick work and possibly plumbing. Work will
commence in mid-May and last for an estimated four to six weeks. Estimated cost is
$450,000.
Student Center elevator — Modernization to the Pioneer Student Center began earlier
this year and was completed on Jan. 13. The elevator passed state inspection and is
back in service. Cost was just over $91,000.
Mullins Hall air-conditioning — Roof-top air-conditioning units were replaced after
being damaged by Hurricane Beryl this past year. A power pole was also replaced. Cost
was $40,000.
